Ground Control to Major Sam

Ground Control to Major Sam

12 x 24

Oil on Raymar Panel

$1000.

A few months ago I was fortunate to be able to travel to Japan to visit a dear friend and fabulous artist Carrie Roets Waller.  Carrie was kind enough to show me and my traveling buddy, Debra Keirce who is also a fabulous artist, around Japan...finding the ins and outs...sales...sights...and navigating the public transportation system.  It was a wonderful trip.  As an added bonus we enjoyed the company of Carrie's most hospitable family.  While we were there her youngest son, Sam, got a costume in the mail.  I took a gazillion pictures of Japan so, of course, my camera was handy.  I asked Sam if he would pose for me and he stood proudly showing his new space suit.  Then he took off his helmet and held it under his arm and said that this is the way the astronauts do it.  Needless to say I was thrilled with my model and could not resist painting this piece.  The recent death of David Bowie reminded me of his song which, if course is the basis for the title. 

Smoothie

Smoothie

8 x 10

Oil on Raymar Panel

Don't come between this child and his smoothie!  He was enjoying his delicious treat and was in no mood to share!  

While I am in transition...that is in the apartment before our home is ready to be moved into...I have a plein air easel in a corner so I can still work on some small works.  This is the first one to be done in my makeshift studio.  This is just for days I can't get out.  A dear friend has generously offered to let me use her studio while I am in the apartment.  Most days I travel to her place and paint.  It is not only nice to have a place to paint...but nice to have company for a change.  I am usually alone and I find having someone to bounce ideas off of is a nice change.  

Retreat - Lowering of the flag

"Retreat"

12 x 24

Oil on Canvas

NFS

In 2011 I began my blog vowing to post every day.  I soon realized that it was an unrealistic goal and settled for posting when I had something to say.  On this third anniversary of my beginnings I am posting the first painting in a new series that is near and dear to my heart.  It is a depiction of military life.  I grew up as a military brat and then continued my life as a military spouse.  Military life on base/post is unique.  This is my first story:

On a military installation the first note of the "Retreat" song is significant.  It occurs at 5 PM or 1700 hours each evening.  That first note means that all movement on base stops and everyone faces the flag...hand over heart...as a show of respect.  We would stand motionless until the music stopped and then resume our activities.  Fond memories include racing over to the flag pole to watch the flag being taken down or...racing inside so I didn't have to stand still till the flag was lowered!  If we were in the swimming pool everyone vacated the pool and stood, hand over heart, until the music stopped and then we all jumped back into the pool.  It didn't matter whether or not you could see the flag...you stood facing the general direction with hand over heart.  

This painting is my Grandson, Jayden.  Without prompting as soon as the music started he stood up and placed his hand over his heart and looked up at the sky in the direction of the flag.  It touched me and brought back so many memories.  I knew this would be part of my military series.  

Sharing - A boy and his dog

Sharing 

16 x 20

Oil on Raymar Panel

$600

I just love this scene for so many reasons.  It shows the special bond between a boy and his dog...it shows the selfless act of sharing his cup of water...and it shows the complete and utter trust between the two.  It was a joy to paint.

In other bits of good news I have had the complete and utter privilege of photographing both of my parents in a recent photo shoot and plan on portraits of them both in the near future.  They are in their late 80's and cannot sit for me but agreed to the shoot.  

AND I begin my next copy at the National Gallery of Art this Wednesday.  I am painting "Autumn" by Winslow Homer.  I love the deep rich reds and greens in this piece...and of course the figurative work also.  Stay tuned to see my progress...

Patrick and Sammy

Patrick and Sammy

9 x 12

Oil on Raymar Panel

Number 11 in the 30 paintings in 30 days!  This is my cousin's son and his adorable puppy Sammy!  I was drawn to the loving look in his eyes.  Man's best friend throughout the ages.

Michael - A value study

Michael - Value Study

9 x 12

Oil on Raymar Panel

The source for this piece is a photo my brother, Dan, took.  I loved the darks and lights and I love the position of the hand.  I thought painting it would help me practice laying my darks and lights.  I also wanted the challenge of the hand.  I painted it quickly, as it is a study, and I would like to take my time with a larger version.  

This is my submission for the 30 in 30 challenge.  

Jayden - portrait of my grandson

Jayden

8 x 10

Oil on Raymar Panel

NFS

This is my grandson Jayden.  He is sitting in his easy chair reading a book and has his helicopter blanket next to him...lovingly called "copka."  I wanted to paint this for a lot of reasons, not the least of which was to practice figures.  I love the perspective on the head and the angels of the legs.  

I realized that I have been painting and had not kept one painting of Jayden for myself!!! So this one is mine!  I am sure I will be painting more portraits of Jayden among other relatives... but I wanted to make sure I have one of my grandchild hung in my home.  

Hilton Head Four Challenge #7 - Yeah, That's my ride...

"Yeah...That's My Ride"

8 x 8

Oil on Raymar Panel

This is the 7th installment of the Hilton Head Four Challenge.  Lydia sent out a couple of pictures of this cool looking little boy.  The pictures had various people, chairs, and this stroller in them.  He looks like he has an attitude... I just love him.  

Scroll down to see the other very creative challenge entries.

A very creative take from Chris Werst!  6 x 6

"Hanging Out"

9 x 12

Lydia Jechorek

http://lydiajechorek.blogspot.com/

"Shades"

4 x 4

Regula Scheifele

www.regulascheifele.blogspot.com

Brennan - Portrait of a boy on a swing

Brennan

16 x 20

Commission

This is Brennan, Alaura's older brother.  When we were at the park taking pictures Brennan could not get enough of the swings and kept wanting to go higher and higher!  Ah, the joy of being pushed on a swing!!  The sky is the limit!!! I hope Brennan always feels that way.

I will be co-hosting the Artists's Helping Artists blogtalk radio program today with Leslie Saeta.  Yayyy!!!  It is going to be a great show about improving your blog!  Listen in at 12:00 EST or download the podcast and listen when you have the time.  

WFB 5

WFB5

20 x 24

Oil on Canvas

NFS

For my 30 paintings in 30 days series I included a portrait of William F. Bennett IV...well this is William F. Bennett V.  I have painted his sisters...Vivi and Lucy many times and thought it was time to feature him.  He is adorable and has the same beautiful blonde hair and big blue eyes as his sisters.  I just love him...

Thirty Paintings in Thirty Days Continued...

This continues my 30 in 30 series depicting stages of life...as I see them.  The paintings are all 6 x 6 painted on a board.

The Rebel

This painting reminded me of a rite of passage all kids go through.  Will  you choose a bad habit to impress your peers?

Daydreaming

I love the faraway look in her eyes...daydreaming about the future...about life...

Joy

The joy of youth...playing happily

Carousel

Riding around in a carousel...trying to catch up to you!  

Remember that song??? 

Baseball cap

 Asserting his independence by wearing a baseball cap turned to the side.  Possibly unconventional to his parents...but conforming to the norm of his age.  

Thirty Paintings in Thirty Days - Stages of life...

This begins my 30 in 30 series.  These paintings depict the stages of life...as I see them...

They are all painted on 6 x 6 inch boards toned in a warm orange.

Number five - Quiet confidence

Number four - Uncertainty

Number Three - Getting mischievous...learning about life

Number two - New life...welcome to the world

Number one is a baby sucking its thumb in the womb

Diggin' it

It is a rainy dreary day here on the East coast.  I thought painting a beach painting would make me feel the warmth of the sun.  I still feel a chill, but I love this little boy and it did make me smile remembering my times at the beach.